Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in which fora and under whose auspices the Government takes part in negotiations with Iran; and on what matters. [139560]

Alistair Burt, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State: Following the regime-sponsored attack on our embassy in Tehran in November 2011, the UK's diplomatic relations with Iran were reduced to the lowest possible level. The UK and Iran nominated Sweden and Oman respectively, to act as protecting powers. This is the channel for bilateral business.

The UK participates actively in multilateral forums, such as the United Nations, of which Iran is also a member.

The UK is a member of the E3+3, which negotiates with Iran. These negotiations aim to find a diplomatic solution to the issue of Iran's nuclear programme.

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